2015 International Conference

This October 31 (Saturday) and November 1 (Sunday), Dr. John Whalen-Bridge, author and professor of American literature at the National University of Singapore, will visit Okinawa to deliver the keynote address for the forthcoming "Development, Destruction and Desecration: Studies in the Manipulation of Nature" conference hosted by the Graduate School of Intercultural Communication in conjunction with Okinawa Christian University. The presentations and lectures are scheduled for the 31st of October, and a guided bus tour of the island is scheduled for the 1st of November.

As a former visiting scholar at the University of the Ryukyus, Professor Whalen-Bridge has long been involved in researching and writing about various desecrations of nature and language, and the destruction of culture - paying particular attention to the plight of the people of Tibet. He will be available also for interviews and to discuss his latest book, Tibet on Fire: Buddhism, Protest and the Rhetoric of Self-Immolation (Palgrave Macmillan), due out in mid-October. (Please contact conference organisers for his itinerary.)

Dr. C. Douglas Lummis, Visiting Professor and Emeritus Professor, Tsuda College, will also be supporting the conference goals with a special lecture entitled, "What Was Modernization/Development Theory?" This lecture will provide a fascinating analysis of the historical processes in the mid-20th century that have given shape to current concepts and practices of development and modernization.

Also, joining the effort to develop meaningful discussions of the social effects of other manipulations of nature will be Kenneth H. Young CD of Vancouver. Mr. Young was selected as Canada's representative at the Second International Conference of Victims of Agent Orange in Hanoi, Vietnam. His research, writing and advocacy focus on the uncovering the truth about the uses and effects of the rainbow herbicides on nature and on human health.

These presenters, among others from Okinawa, the United States, and Indonesia, will discuss the efforts of people to challenge and question injustices, critically analyse official narratives, and hold responsible parties accountable to the law.

Organizers from Okinawa Christian University look forward to seeing widespread participation from scholars, journalists, and a concerned public.

For more information, please contact the conference organisers, Daniel Broudy or Makoto Arakaki, at development.destruction@gmail.com or visit the conference site hosted by OCU Gazette.

The Call for Papers for this conference can be accessed at Okinawa Christian University's official homepage in either or English or Japanese. Please visit the site by clicking here and scroll down to the date 15/07/10.